Just had my PM 5 days ago. Some questions.

Hi guys,

I had a mini thoracotomy 5 days ago in my left side with a PM, so I have two wounds. I have loads of painkillers but really don't feel i need them now. Thing is I am getting a really dull ache in my left upper arm, doesn't hurt but just annoys me. I am doing my exercises (and breathing ones since I cannot breath in too much thanks to the rib wound), but just wanted to know if this is normal. I know its been like 5 days, but I want to keep on top of this as i am only 30.

Thanks
Lee

2 Comments

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2011-07-10 05:07:04

If you don't feel the need for the painkillers, I'd stop taking them. That's just me, I hate taking anything that isn't 110% necessary and I got off them as quickly as possible.

The breathing sounds more related to your thoracotomy than the pm, it shouldn't cause any breathing problems.

The arm is probably just be healing. Be sure to move it around regularly so it doesn't freeze, just don't lift weight or go above shoulder height. Watch for hot areas or red spots/streaks, that could be a sign of a clot. When in doubt, always ask your dr. It's better to call when it's nothing than wait it out when it's something serious.

Pacemaker Area Pain

by SMITTY - 2011-07-10 07:07:31

Hello,

Go to the Member Gallery and take a look at the schematic posted by Juan and see how involved the pectoral muscle is in a pacemaker implant. The reason I mention this I'm on my 2nd PM and while the first one never hurt, this one causes me pain from time to time very much like what you describe. I describe the location of where mine hurts as just below where the arm meets the shoulder.

I have mentioned this to my Dr and the first thing she said was "that is the pectoral muscle hurting you and it should go away on its own, but theycan take a while. So long as it is can be controlled with a couple of Advil I recommends you leave it alone as to try to do anything to help it may involve a slight relocation of the PM." My reply to that was "nuff said." I've had this PM for abut 18 months and the pain is much less frequent. Also I have found on the very worst days all it takes is a couple of Advil to stop it.

Good luck,

Smitty

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